Automotive News

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Electric truck wars: 9 manufacturers ready to charge

Changing nearly as fast as gas prices, there’s seemingly constant news in the electric truck market. More manufacturers are debuting EV pickups while others have plans to do so in the not-too-distant future. At least nine manufacturers are in the electric truck business, led by Tesla and Rivian. Here’s a synopsis of arguably the top-two most anticipated EV trucks and a list of the manufacturers currently in the market. Telsa has plans to offer Cybertruck. Company founder and CEO Elon Musk changes his mind often. But the pending slate currently includes a tri-motor with all-wheel drive, a dual-motor AWD model and a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive. Electric trucks ready to charge Prices were announced starting at just under $40,000. The tri-motor option

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Used truck, car prices climb nearly 30 percent in one year

Statistics tell stories, with some of the best storytellers by numbers the numbers calculators at the U.S. Department of Labor who prepare the Consumer Price Index. Used truck and car prices represent the most dramatic example. According to the latest Consumer Price Index and Manheim, Inc., the world’s largest wholesale auto auction, the overall inflation from May 2020 to May 2021 was 5 percentage. Combined, the inflation rate of used cars and trucks increased nearly 30 percent in the same time. Used vehicles comprise one-third of the entire inflation increase. The automotive industry’s surge, similar to other industries, began at the start of the pandemic. Dealerships in most areas were forced to close in-person locations. Consumer demand tanked, with a

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Future of U.S. mail delivery going postal again

Electric vehicle startup Workhorse, the only company among three finalists to submit an all-electric mail delivery proposal, has filed an official protest after losing the bid to make the U.S. Postal Service’s next-generation vehicle. The USPS instead gave the contract in February to defense contractor Oshkosh. It said its new postal truck is designed to run on gas and electric drivetrains. The contract could be worth $6 billion. The Ohio-based company filed a sealed bid protest in the US Court of Federal Claims. The result of the high-profile court fight could have an impact on how and when those vehicles switch over to electric power. President Joe Biden said he wants electric vehicles throughout the federal fleet. Mail delivery future

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Wiggy wheels, faulty cameras give Ram pickup trucks troubles

Welcome to the world of recalls Stellantis! A few months into its tenure, the new owner of Fiat-Chrysler has made two dubious announcements. First, the new owner of Ram announced the wheels of more than a half-million of its Ram pickup trucks can fall off. And now comes word, more than 140,000 Ram trucks have recalled because their backup cameras may stop working when the vehicle is in reverse. The problematic wheels prompted the manufacturer to recall 510,000 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickups and Ram 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis vehicles from 2012 to 2021 and mostly from North American have been recalled. The trucks in question have dual rear wheels and flanged lug nuts. Stellantis said some service and owner’s manuals

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NEW CAR PREVIEW: 2024 Honda Prologue SUV

The 2024 Honda Prologue, the first in a pending lineup of battery electric vehicles, will debut in less than three years as the carmaker continues to target its goal of a fully electric fleet by 2040. Few details of the sport utility vehicle were revealed in the recent announcement, but Honda said the Prologue will operate on GM’s Ultium batteries. It will be available in the United States and Canada. An all-electric Acura SUV will also debut in 2024. Honda previously announced its plans for its vehicles in the second of this decade to operate on a new “e:Architecture.” Honda Prologue Begins BEV surge Besides its 100 percent fully electric goal by 2040, Honda says its shorter-term goal is 40

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New pickup trucks pricey? Sure. But bargains abound

In case anyone hasn’t noticed, pickup trucks have become increasingly expensive. With extensive option packages, several new pickup trucks more than $100,000. But considering the new Ford Maverick, soon debuting as a 2022 model, many pickup trucks are still reasonably priced. The Maverick is already upsetting the industry since it will undercut the current cheapest pickup truck, the Toyota Tacoma, by more than $4,000. Of course, payload, towing capacity, model year and many other factors make the list of the current cheapest pickup trucks skewed. But via dollars alone, Ford has put the other manufacturers on notice: the pickup truck battle is on. Pickup Trucks: Bargains Abound As for the Maverick, here’s what $21,490 as starting price will buy: The

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Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Scrapping Your Car

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Scrapped automobiles globally produce more than 25 million tons of recycled material every year. It’s among the most of all consumer goods recyclables. So, rather than have your old car rust away in your garage, why not have it scrapped? Almost every part of the car is recyclable, and the process helps protect the environment. Recycled metal is made into new sheets of metal used to manufacture new cars, saving energy and resources needed for metal production. Why not contribute to a better environment and get paid for it? Scrapping Your Car Properly But before scrapping your car consider how to avoid five common mistakes. Going with the first junkyard you find There are tons of junkyard options

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Ram pickup trucks’ dilemma: wheels can fall off

Stellantis, the new owner of Fiat-Chrysler, has made a dubious announcement — the wheels of more than a half-million of its Ram pickup trucks can fall off. As such, the manufacturer announced 510,000 Ram 3500 heavy-duty pickups and Ram 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis vehicles from 2012 to 2021 and mostly from North American have been recalled. More than 500,000 Ram pickup trucks have been recalled because the wheels can fall off. Ram Pickup Trucks Have Loose Nuts The trucks in question have dual rear wheels and flanged lug nuts. Stellantis said some service and owner’s manuals had the wrong torque specifications for tightening the lug nuts that hold the wheels to the hubs. If the nuts were tightened too much,

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Save money with proper car maintenance dos & dont’s

Your vehicle is an essential tool but it can be taken for granted. It’s often used daily, but if car maintenance is not done properly repairs can become expensive and your safety is at risk. To help keep your car in proper condition, improve its longevity and ensure your safety, here’s a list of “dos and don’ts.” DO THIS * Buy from a reputable used car dealership. It will ensure you have spent your money wisely. A reputable dealership will service its inventory before offering it for sale. It will provide the reassurance you’re purchasing a vehicle properly maintained and without the need for further expense for the length of the used car warranty. * Have your regularly serviced is

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Nervous driver? Learning and studying your car helps

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Being a nervous driver is common. Many people have anxiety on the road even as experienced drivers and in well-traveled areas. After all, you’re in charge of a large metal box on wheels. And it’s likely you’re surrounded by drivers in similar situations but with different approaches to road safety. Anyone can be nervous while, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming and stop you is you want to get behind the wheel. Owning and operating a car is often an integral part of many peoples’ lives. It’s important for personal transportation, can mean better living circumstances and even better job opportunities. Which is why as a nervous driver it’s a good idea to work on confidence-building methods to help

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Buying a car? Plan properly, buy it, maintain it

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Buying a car is an achievement, and it’s often a substantial detailed investment. But the transaction can be more straightforward than expected. If the buyer is prepared, the purchase can be successful with little or no stress. Still, if it’s your first or second car, a new or used car, just don’t take this kind of investment lightly. Plan the purchase properly so it occurs smoothly and you get the ideal vehicle. Once you buy a new car, what’s next? How long do you plan on using it? Do you know how to maintain it and prolong its lifespan? Buying a Car? Know Your Needs Here’s a list of the best ways to buy a car and to

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5 Ways To Make A Car Sound System Sensational

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT A car sound system isn’t just about making music sound great. You can also use your stereo to retrieve the audio portion of drive-in movies.  You can talk with friends and family via a smartphone Bluetooth connection. You can listen to audiobooks or sporting events. But when building a sensational-sounding car stereo system, it’s all about the music. If your factory-installed audio system isn’t providing the bass, power or clarity desired, consider audio addons, like subwoofers for cars or trucks. Or consider buying a new audio system that can deliver “concert sound.” Here are five ways to make a car stereo system sound sensational: Speaker Upgrade Investing in new speakers is a good way to begin upgrading your

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The Pope going green with new Fisker electric popemobile

The Pope is getting a new popemobile. It’s an all-electric sport utility vehicle with an all-glass dome to give crowds a better opportunity to see the pontiff. Henrik Fisker and Geeta Gupta-Fisker, co-founders of the Fisker, the American electric startup carmaker, presented the design of the new transporter to Pope Francis in a private meeting May 20. The duo presented the Vatican with a concept of a modified Fisker Ocean. The Pope will get his new one-of-a-kind wheels next year. “I got inspired reading that Pope Francis is very considerate about the environment and the impact of climate change for future generations,” Henrik Fisker said in a statement. “The interior of the vehicle will contain a variety of sustainable materials,

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College students’ best approach to buying a used car

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Enrolling in a college or university is among the most important steps of a young adult’s future. Your life may significantly change, particularly if you continue your education far from home and are interested in buying a used car. But not only is it necessary to find the best accommodations you’ll need to meet financial obligations, including paying tuition and buying books. Many new university students also buy their first car while attending college. But what’s the best way to choose a car while attending a university? What vehicle best suits your needs? Here’s a checklist to help you buy the best vehicle for a reasonable price. Before You Start  Purchasing a car can be time-consuming. There are

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Expert guide to pros, cons of car-sharing

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Many people have cars they barely use daily. Luckily, a car-sharing model can save people money and energy while providing them with a ride. Car sharing is becoming popular, although it’s still often confused with ride-sharing. The former is when a car owner shares their car with a stranger and shares the cost of the ride. Car sharing doesn’t require owning a car. It was created to reduce car ownership in urban areas. The concept: A car share practitioner downloads an app to determine what cars are available for use in their proximity. A person then uses the car for a certain period and leaves it in any parking lot or specially designated area for car sharing. It’s

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No computer chips for new trucks, top dollar for old trucks

Across the country, but notably in states like Texas where pickup trucks reign, supplies of new trucks are surprisingly thin. The reason? Car parts, particularly computer chips, are in rare supply. As a result, vintage Ford and Chevy pickups from the 70s and 80s are selling for 10 times more than their worth before the Covid-19 pandemic. So hold off selling that old pickup truck to the first person who offers $5,000 take it off your hands. It could be worth $50,000. In several states, according to several media reports on Drive.com, Ford is storing thousands of new Ford F-150 pickup trucks at the Kentucky Speedway and in parking lots in Detroit. The shortage of chips is preventing the trucks

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